Intraoral Scan Fluid Detection for Accurate 3D Dental Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Intraoral scans are compromised by blood and saliva, which alter optical properties and introduce deformations, reducing the accuracy of generated virtual models.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for detecting and removing bodily fluids like blood and saliva from intraoral scan data using structured light projection and machine learning models to generate accurate 3D models.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If intraoral scanning is performed in a clinical setting, then dental site data can be obtained for prosthesis design, but blood and saliva pool in the patient's mouth and alter optical properties, reducing scan accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan accuracyVSAvoidblood and saliva interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent detects bodily fluids (blood and saliva) that naturally pool during intraoral scanning and converts this harmful interference into a beneficial process by automatically identifying and removing fluid-affected regions from scan data. The system uses image processing to detect optical property changes caused by bodily fluids, then excludes these regions from 3D model generation, transforming the previously harmful effect into a quality control mechanism that improves overall scan accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If traditional intraoral scanning is performed without real-time fluid detection, then the scanning process is simpler, but the generated 3D models contain deformations and inaccuracies requiring re-scanning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidscanning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the intraoral scanner and the 3D model generation process. This intermediary layer analyzes scan images in real-time, detects bodily fluid presence through optical property analysis, and automatically masks or removes fluid-affected regions before data is used for 3D reconstruction. This intermediary processing step ensures model accuracy without requiring complex hardware modifications to the scanner itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical re-scanning procedures with an automated digital processing system. Instead of requiring practitioners to physically re-scan areas affected by blood or saliva, the system uses image processing algorithms to detect and correct fluid interference digitally. This substitution of mechanical re-scanning with computational correction reduces device complexity while maintaining high model reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple scans are performed to ensure accuracy, then model quality improves, but scanning time and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidscanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous accurate scanning by implementing real-time bodily fluid detection and correction during the scanning process. The image processing system continuously monitors scan images for fluid presence and automatically adjusts by removing affected regions, allowing the scanning procedure to proceed without interruption or re-takes. This continuous correction mechanism maintains measurement precision throughout the entire scan duration, eliminating the need for multiple scanning passes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the accuracy and speed of 3D model generation by filtering out bodily fluids in real-time, improving the quality of dental site models for prosthetic design.

Implementation Method 1

receiving intraoral scan data comprising one or more intraoral images of a portion of a dental site generated using structured light projection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStructured light projection: Light

Implementation Method 2

a processor configured to: generate a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of the portion of the dental site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS20250225752A1Blood and saliva handling for intraoral scanning

Publication Date: 2025.07.10 ALIGN TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

In a method of processing intraoral scan data includes receiving intraoral scan data comprising one or more intraoral images of a portion of a dental site generated using structured light projection during intraoral scanning of the dental site, generating a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of the portion of the dental site using the intraoral scan data, detecting one or more regions of the 3D point cloud comprising a bodily fluid, removing the one or more regions from the 3D point cloud, updating a 3D surface of the dental site using the 3D point cloud of the portion of the dental site, and outputting the 3D surface of the dental site to a display.